What car is the Dodge Hornet based off of?
The Dodge Hornet is based on the Alfa Romeo Tonale, sharing its underlying architecture and electrified powertrain family within Stellantis.
In practice, that means Dodge reused the Tonale's engineering blueprint to create a performance-oriented compact SUV—styling, drivetrain options, and electronics drawn from the Tonale—while tailoring it to Dodge branding and customer expectations.
Shared platform and engineering
These points illustrate the Hornet's shared roots with the Tonale and how Stellantis leveraged common components across brands.
The Tonale connection
- Shared architecture: The Hornet rides on the same fundamental chassis and engineering package as the Alfa Romeo Tonale, adapted for Dodge packaging and tuning.
- Electrified powertrains: The Hornet inherits the Tonale’s turbocharged and electrified drivetrain options, enabling similar performance and efficiency profiles across trim levels.
- Electronics and interiors: The Hornet uses Tonale's driver-assistance tech, infotainment layout, and control interfaces, customized with Dodge branding.
In short, the Hornet's framework is anchored in the Tonale, with Dodge-specific enhancements to deliver its personality.
Key distinctions that define the Dodge Hornet
Even with a shared foundation, Dodge differentiates the Hornet through styling, tuning, and market positioning.
- Styling and branding: The Hornet adopts Dodge’s distinctive grille, badging, and trim lines to project a performance-oriented, American-brand image atop the Tonale’s platform.
- Performance-focused tuning: Suspension, steering feel, and exhaust character are tuned to deliver a more aggressive driving experience compared with the Tonale.
- Trim and powertrain variations: The Hornet lineup includes Dodge-specific configurations and options that may differ from Tonale offerings, with emphasis on all-wheel-drive performance.
Ultimately, the Hornet is a Tonale-based model wearing Dodge branding and tuned for a different kind of driver.
Summary
The Dodge Hornet is built on the Alfa Romeo Tonale platform, sharing engineering backbone and electrified options within Stellantis. It preserves the Tonale’s tech components while delivering Dodge’s performance-focused styling and tuning, resulting in a distinct but related compact crossover.
What car is the Hudson Hornet in real life?
The Hudson Hornet is a real-life car from the Hudson Motor Car Company, produced from 1951 to 1957. It was known for its "step-down" design, which gave it a low center of gravity and good handling, and became a legendary NASCAR racer, with drivers like Herb Thomas achieving great success in them. The character "Doc Hudson" in the movie Cars is based on this specific car.
This video explains the history of the Hudson Hornet and its racing legacy: 54sThe Henry FordYouTube · Aug 25, 2023
- Manufacturer: Hudson Motor Car Company
- Production years: 1951–1957
- Key feature: The "step-down" design, which placed the car's floor lower than the chassis for a lower center of gravity and better handling
- NASCAR legacy: Became a dominant force in early NASCAR racing, with Herb Thomas winning multiple races and championships in a Hudson Hornet
- Inspiration for Cars: The character "Doc Hudson" from the Pixar movie Cars is a 1951 Hudson Hornet named after the Fabulous Hudson Hornet race car
What is the Dodge Hornet equivalent to?
The Dodge Hornet's main competitors are compact SUVs like the Mazda CX-5, Honda CR-V, Nissan Rogue, and Hyundai Tucson. Other rivals include the Toyota RAV4, Kia Seltos, and Chevrolet Equinox. For buyers also considering performance-oriented or hybrid models, other competitors are the Alfa Romeo Tonale (also based on the Hornet's architecture) and the Kia Niro (for plug-in hybrid options).
This video compares the Dodge Hornet to the Mazda CX-5: 59sRaiti's RidesYouTube · Mar 14, 2023
Primary competitors
- Mazda CX-5: Often compared for its sporty driving dynamics.
- Honda CR-V: A major competitor in the compact SUV market.
- Nissan Rogue: Another key rival, especially in terms of fuel economy.
- Hyundai Tucson: A strong competitor with a competitive starting price.
- Toyota RAV4: Competes with the Hornet in both gasoline and plug-in hybrid versions.
- Kia Seltos: A competitor that offers a similar size and price point.
This video compares the Dodge Hornet R/T with the Kia Sportage PHEV: 1mRaiti's RidesYouTube · Apr 12, 2024
Other competitors to consider
- Chevrolet Equinox: A direct competitor with a lower starting price.
- Ford Escape ST-Line: A competitor that starts at a lower price point.
- Alfa Romeo Tonale: Shares its platform with the Hornet.
- Kia Niro: Competes with the Hornet's plug-in hybrid option.
- Jeep Compass: Shares the same architecture and engines as the Hornet GT but has a lower starting price.
Is the Dodge Hornet the same as the Alfa Romeo Tonale?
Both models use a 1.3-liter turbocharged engine paired with an electric motor. However, the Hornet produces 288 horsepower, while the Tonale makes 285 horsepower. Despite similar power outputs, the Tonale feels more refined and tuned for a smoother, more premium driving experience.
What is a Dodge Hornet based on?
The Hornet is produced in Italy and is a platform-mate and rebadged variant of the Alfa Romeo Tonale.
